Did you know? San Diego’s best karaoke experience is actually a collection of eight local musicians (and a few others from out of town on occasion), and many of us work on other projects when we’re not sharing the karaoke stage with you. Allow me to illustrate.
Guitar Mike and Bass Andy are part of San Diego’s longest-running and most awesome Led Zeppelin tribute band, Dazed and Confused. They play local venues (places like 710 Beach Club, Winston’s and even Belly Up), corporate parties, and have even performed on US Navy destroyer (while it was underway!). If you have the chance to see this high energy tribute to some of the best music ever written, DO IT!
Guitar Paulo is sort of a jack of all trades. Besides playing lead guitar with Skip’s Garage on occasion (see below), he also plays acoustic cover sets with his sister Amanda – yes, the same Amanda that hosts regularly with Rock Out Karaoke. Paulo also plays with DJ Who, which is a really cool concept: lead guitar shredding over some sick beats in a club-type atmosphere. The pair have traveled to Vegas and beyond to bring this show to the masses. Finally, Paulo has worked with San Diego’s own Slightly Stoopid on studio recordings and live performances. Badass.
Guitar Skip and Bass Rob got started in the mid-90s by playing acoustic covers in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Naval Academy (and even winning the Brigade talent show in 1998). Since moving to San Diego, Skip’s Garage grew in popularity, morphed into Pickford’s Party, and eventually became Rock Out Karaoke in 2006. Returning to their roots, Skip and Rob have teamed up with Paulo and Drummer Shawn recently to play an acoustic quartet of cover tunes – many of which are not on the ROK song list. Keep an eye out for Skip’s Garage at local breweries, events, and house parties.
Drummer Shawn is involved in a few side projects as well – everything from a country band in LA, to a song-writing effort with his brother, to the locally-acclaimed We Are Sirens (who were nominated for a San Diego Music Award). You wouldn’t know it, but Shawn can sing too. We have to give him the mic more often!
Don’t even get us started on all the past music projects of ROK players (MELD, The Edge, Northern Illinois University Huskie Marching Band). We’ll save that for another post.
Suffice it to say, Rock Out Karaoke is loaded with talented musicians, so if you see us playing other events around town please be sure to support local music. If you ask real nice, we might even play your company holiday party, wedding, or birthday.
